Sunday, April 1, 2012

We have heard of another HERO lie. They are telling people that when they close Elderton and consolidate and eventually build a new school, resulting in two high schools for our district, that this will cause class sizes to jump to 60 kids in a classroom. Let's just see why this lie is so ridiculous:

There are laws that dictate the minimum and maximum number of students per class. The Armstrong School District has a policy for Class Sizes, it is 20 for Kindergarten, 25 for grades 1-3 and 30 for grades 4-12.

Aside from that policy, what school has classrooms large enough for 60 kids? The gym, auditorium and cafeteria can't be used for each and every class.

People, do your homework before you believe stupid things that the "Community School" people want you to believe so that you are afraid of progress.

Friday, March 30, 2012

We have a new School Board Director. Linda Walker was appointed last night to replace the seat left vacant by the resignation of Sara Yassem. Ms. Walker gave a great speech and out shined the few that actually showed up for their interviews.

Ms. Walker is a retired educator. She has been through consolidation. She cares about the students and the quality of their education. She is going to be an asset. She really doesn't have big shoes to fill.

She is replacing a school board member who was border-line illiterate. If any of you have ever received emails from former director Yassem, you will understand. She writes with no capitalization, no punctuation, and no sentence structure. Ms. Yassem was also a puppet, who only said what she was told to say and voted how she was told to vote. With her puppet masters now gone, she became more vocal, since they no longer had a voice on the board, they used her as their microphone. There was a plan up their sleeve with her resignation and it looks like their plan backfired.

Welcome Ms. Walker! Let's move forward and bring this district into the next century with quality education with fiscal responsibility!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Well, here we go once again. The current school board is proposing to close Elderton High School once again. Once again, HERO has come out screaming, yelling and protesting. They have accused the current board and those who support them of "Lies, Corruption and Bigotry".

See that picture above? That photo was taken on a Thursday morning at 11:30 am, from the parking lot of a nearby doctor's office. That is an Eldeton High School gym class. You can clearly see four of the SIX students that are in that gym class. Six kids. We are paying a gym teacher to conduct a gym class for six kids. They were playing soccer, three on three with no goalies. If you don't see that as a waste of taxpayer money, then you don't understand Business and Economics 101.

Here are the facts:

We can't afford four high schools, especially one that graduates such small classes as Elderton.

We employ too many teachers. Yes, we cut positions last year, but those were in the other three schools. EHS has to have the minimum number of teachers, by law, so they have the luxury of teaching classes of eight students in most cases, while the other schools have triple and nearly quadruple those amounts.

HERO wants you to believe that the current board planned on spending this money on a new school all along. They want you to believe that they LIED to you while campaigning, quoting from this website in the Seven Questions for the Candidates section. Fact is, at that time, we were all under the assumption that we could give the money back. We found out that wasn't possible. It's too expensive.

HERO wants you to believe that the money wasn't offered to other schools within the ARIN Intermediate Unit. Fact is, no one wanted it. Why would they when they can get their own bond money at nearly half the rate?

HERO wants you to believe that we should be offering the money to ALL schools in PA. Fact is this will take nearly nine months to do and we have no idea if the IRS will approve of this transfer of funds. Do we really want to keep paying interest on this bond money while doing NOTHING with it?

Fact is, we are STUCK with this money. We can only spend it on buildings. Intelligence tells you to spend it on something new instead of fixing up buildings that are full of raw sewage and black mold. Instead of renovating schools with six to eight kids in a classroom.

HERO wants you to know that even though their graduating class, last year was 26, that this year it is 51, close to the number of graduates from West Shamokin. What they don't tell you is the numbers drop again for next year.

HERO wants their cake and eat it too. They want their children to get the equivalent of a private school education at the cost of the other taxpayers. We are sure the Kittanning, Ford City and West Shamokin parents would love to have their kids in classes with six to eight kids.

HERO wants you to believe that West Shamokin was over crowded when the Elderton students were there a few years ago. The most common complaint you will hear is that the kids didn't have enough time to eat their lunches. They had to stand in line for their lunch and it didn't allow enough time to eat. When the Elderton students came from such a small school, they obviously just walked up and got their lunch and had the luxury of sitting down and eating the entire lunch period. In almost every other school, you have a line. Lines are reality, wait until they get to college.

HERO wants you to believe that it's all about "Lies, Corruption and Bigotry". Where's the bigotry? There are several reported cases of Elderton students that were involved in racism while at Ford City High School. Maybe if these students weren't so sheltered and exposed to the real world they would learn that bigotry and racism is not the answer because they would be more exposed to other races. We would like to know how bigotry fits into all of this.

Bottom line is, here we go again. The same fight we've been having for DECADES. It is time to fix this district and fix it right. Focus on the facts. Focus on the figures.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Here are the Eight Options that the current school board came up with. Since it's isn't feasible to give the money back and since bond rates have dropped to the point, that no one wants to purchase these bonds from us, we have to use the money to it's best advantage.

Here are the Options:

Option 1

Total Buildings: 7

High Schools: 2

Plan: Build a new 7-12 high school, renovate Elderton into a K-6 school

Cost: $68,712,000 plus $4,880,000 for new athletic fields

Option 1A

Total Buildings: 7

High Schools: 2

Plan: Same as option 1, but build a new K-6 building

Cost: $83,874,000 plus $4,880,000 for new fields

Option 2

Total Buildings: 7

High Schools: 2

Plan: Build a new 7-12 high school (including Elderton students), renovate Elderton into a K-6 school

Cost: $79,378,000 plus $4,880,000 for new fields

Option 2A

Total Buildings: 7

High Schools: 2

Plan: Same as option 2, but build a new K-6 building

Cost: $94,540,000 plus $4,880,000 for new fields

Option 3

Total Buildings: 8

High Schools: 2

Plan: Build a new 9-12 high school, renovate Kittanning Senior High School into a 7-8 school and Elderton into a K-6 school

Cost: $64,435,000 plus $4,880,000 for new fields

Option 3A

Total Buildings: 8

High Schools: 2

Plan: Same as option 3, but build a new K-6 building

Cost: $79,597,000 plus $4,880,000 for new fields

Option 4

Total Buildings: 8

High Schools: 1

Plan: Build one central high school for all 9-12 students, renovate Kittanning Senior High School into a 7-8 school and Elderton into a K-6 school

Thursday, October 20, 2011

What do the candidates for School Board stand for? What do they want? What's their platform? If you really don't know the answers to these questions, lets review our Six Questions segment from the spring.

We asked all six candidates the same six questions and we posted their answers. Here are their answers:

Monday, May 16, 2011

It's time to focus on the facts and stop allowing things like planted, threatening letters, ridiculous referendum questions and tax payer-paid propagandana to overshadow the good old facts.

ELDERTON

We have a high school that was reopened that will graduate 26 this year.
There are a total of 280 students in grades 7-12.
42 classes with less than 10 students.
21 classes with less than 5 students.
There are over 10 classes there with 1 student.
EHS employs 36 teachers, 25 of which were NEW HIRES.
Cost per student is $14,650, MUCH more than the other schools.
There are three principals at that school.

FORD CITY

We are building a second gymnasium in Ford City on the third floor with a glass ceiling! WHY?
Gyms and cafeterias increase the education value for our students how?
The school is full of mold and raw sewage, it has severe structural issues – remember the falling balcony from a few years ago?!

KITTANNING

The Kittanning Junior High has more students in it grades 7-8 than 7-12 at Elderton.
We are going to close Kittanning Jr. High and merge it into the Senior High. Why?
Class sizes are going to be bumped to 30-36 while Elderton benefits from 5.

THE BUDGET

First they say our schools are over crowded at 90-95% capacity.
Now Chapp says that we are getting rid of nearly 70 positions due to LOW ENROLLMENT.
We can’t have it both ways – Over capacity and Low Enrollment.
Which one is it?
We are going to cut nearly the same amount of teachers that we hired to reopen Elderton. Elderton will stay the same, class size wise, but all other schools will have HIGHER class sizes due to this.

Salary History for Chapp: ( 3.9% increase for each year of contract)
Year 1: $150,000.00
Year 2: $155,850.00
Year 3: $161,928.15
Year 4: $168,243.35
Year 5: $174,804.84

*$3,000 annually in a tax sheltered annuity = $15,000 over 5 years

*$2,500 annually for holding a doctoral degree = $12,500 over 5 years

*$3,800 annually for disability insurance = $19,000 over 5 years.

* These figures do not include healthcare benefits he will receive

*116 unused sick days carried over from his past employment.

This totals to $857,326.34 for the contract life and DOES NOT include his fully-funded health care.

BILL BILL - aka William J. Williams

We have a SECOND Superintendent being paid $500 per day. That’s $2500 a week, $5000 plus a month, roughly $130,000 a year.

GARY MATTA

Our new Solicitor, hand picked by the current board majority.
He has a file at The Auditor General’s office for his misuse of funds in the Duquesne School District.
He pretty much bankrupted that district and ours is next.

Armstrong County Voters, you are too smart to not see this for what it is. You need to get out to vote tomorrow, and you need to vote for CHANGE!

Region I - Bethel, Burrell, Cadogan, Ford City, Ford Cliff, Manor, Manorville, North Buffalo and West Kittanning. VOTE FOR: Paul Lobby and Larry Robb for the four year term and James Rearic for the two year term.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

As a lifelong, loyal resident of Ford City and Kittanning, I am dismayed by the rancor that accompanies the present school board election. I naively grew up thinking that the rivalry between the towns was simply school boy stuff, but I was mistaken. This conflict traces to outdated, social class mistrust fed by unjustified paranoia.

The incumbent trio of Solak, Stitt, and Kozuch has recently circulated a letter To ASD Residents of the Ford City Area that preys on the same dark fears and social class bigotry that have haunted our two towns for the past 50 years. By using demeaning labels like “self appointed elite” and circulating disingenuous insinuations, this communication is using a well-known, psychological ploy intended to demonize an opponent. By creating hate and fear through labels, the facts are obscured.

But what are the facts that interest the silent majority?

1. Our school district has shrunk and is shrinking.

2. Many believe that curriculum is more important than bricks and mortar.

3. “Self appointed elite” is an oxymoron in this community, and no candidate supports a West Hills high school at any cost.

4. Our school taxes are already among the highest in western Pennsylvania; and common sense denies that you can borrow $80 million and pay for the upcoming expense of retirement shortfalls and healthcare insurance without raising taxes.

5. The pettiness and divisiveness that characterize this board’s tenure need to end.

So please, look beyond hateful labels and innuendo in this election and examine each candidate’s stance on these issues. Help to restore the qualities of respect and dignity to our school board. Together, let’s send a clear referendum to our school district and vote for the candidates with Common Sense.

ASD Board members Chris Choncek, Jim Rearic and Joe Close issue the following statement:

Over the last few days, the Armstrong School District Administration has orchestrated a public relations campaign at taxpayer expense to promote the political agenda of the board majority. To spend district funds on such PR just days after voting to eliminate nearly 70 jobs in the name of cost cutting is a slap in the face to both the taxpayers and those employees about to lose their livelihoods.

As stewards of the taxpayer dollars, we are appalled at these blatant actions. For a 'newsletter' to be mailed to all district residents extolling the virtues of the proposed $80 million renovation arriving in homes just days before the Election reeks of politics. As board members we were never consulted on the content of this mailing and are troubled by the fact its contents are far from the norm of previous newsletters.

Coupled with the paid ads appearing in local newspapers 'explaining' the referendum questions it is clear these media efforts are coordinated to promote the agenda of the board majority at taxpayer expense. To state a no vote on the referendum means approval of the $80 million renovation plan is subjective at best. There is only one question on the ballot and the rhetoric contained in these taxpayer paid advertisements is not only opinion - but a main platform of those members of the board majority running for re-election.

Mailings and advertisements are not cheap and for the ASD to send out such propaganda at the taxpayer expense less than one week before the election is insulting to the constituents we represent and highly unethical behavior by professionals paid by taxdollars to serve the public - not a certain segment of the ASD board of directors.

This board majority has already spent millions to pay architects, bond agents and attorneys who do not even live in our district to advance this ill-conceived renovation plan. Now they are wasting more tax dollars promoting this boondoggle. It's bad enough the taxpayers have been stuck with the bill for the projects; they shouldn't have to foot the bill for the promotion of political agendas.

We demand the Armstrong School District administration and the board members responsible for this action personally reimburse the district taxpayers for this unauthorized use of taxpayer funds.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Jim Rearic is running for one of three seats in Region I, which represents Bethel, Burrell, Cadogan, Ford City, Ford Cliff, Manor, Manorville, North Buffalo and West Kittanning. This is part five. We've heard from Dr. Lobby and Larry Robb from Region I, Amy Lhote and Chris Choncek from Region II and Stan Berdell from Region III. We look forward to reading the responses to the same six questions from the other candidates.

1- Since there seems to be quite a bit of negativity within the district, what do you feel is going right with ASD at this time?

I think our teachers are doing the best they can given the turmoil within the district. I also think the administration does what they have to do right now and that is provide answers that support the current board majority. Otherwise keep digging, if you get my point.

2- What are your ideas to improve student performance?

I am not an educator. So I will not pretend that I know what is missing. I do think that if you have transparency and trust between the board, the administration and the teachers, they will come forward with what it will take to raise the bar with respect to student performance. I also believe that the current board majority does not think that we need to improve student performance. They actually find it acceptable. I guess the key word to drive performance change is TRUST.

3- What is your biggest concern with ASD?

Our financial situation. The recent board majority has handcuffed this district with some severe future budgetary issues. They have borrowed money before actually needing it, factored in one time gains, with no answers to future budgets. There is an old saying from the cartoon Pop Eye: "I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today". Not, in my opinion, financially responsible.

4- What is your perspective of the referendum question that has been placed on the ballot?

This could be the most absurd thing I have seen in the time I have been on the board. I have been accused of wanting this and saying that by a couple of other board members. I will tell you in my own words: that if I want something (forget the what) and it cost this (forget this) and I was trying to justify it through a referendum, I would not, repeat NOT, do an end around and try to confuse voters that if you do this, you will get that. I would at least have the respect for the voter that they can form their own opinion and I do not need to scare them into anything and would put down what I or the future board majority want to know the answer too. This is crazy.

5- What do you feel is the primary job of a school board?

A school board is like any other board. They oversee the actions and direction of the administration, period. To micro manage people to the point that they cannot do what we pay them for is just another example of this current board majority wasting tax dollars. Look at all of the people that left or were driven away?

6- What attributes, talents and abilities will you bring to our district?

First is experience. I have now been on the board for almost 4 years. I have a better feel for what goes on and how it operates. I just do not agree that this style of operation has to continue any further. As far as other attributes, talents and abilities: I feel I have proven experience in leading people, managing money, working with people, promoting growth, adjusting and dealing with change. To me this is the biggest. It is ok to change your mind and you should not be condemned for it for life. Like it or not things change. If someone really wants to look at something that is factual and consistent; What board member has the most tenure with in this district and then ask yourself, are we better off both from a financial and more importantly educationally stand point:? I say NO!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Larry Robb is running for one of three seats in Region I, which represents Bethel, Burrell, Cadogan, Ford City, Ford Cliff, Manor, Manorville, North Buffalo and West Kittanning. This is part five. We've heard from Dr. Lobby from Region I, Amy Lhote and Chris Choncek from Region II and Stan Berdell from Region III. We look forward to reading the responses to the same six questions from the other candidates.

1- Since there seems to be quite a bit of negativity within the district, what do you feel is going right with ASD at this time?

The Armstrong School District has developed a very strong system of utilizing student achievement data to inform the instruction of teachers so they can adjust to the needs of individual students. Within this system is a process called Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTII). Using RTII, the district has implemented researched-based interventions or “safety nets” for students who may be struggling. In addition, the district has been involved in an initiative focused on Formative Assessment. This initiative has been featured in a national educational publication called Educational Leadership which has described the impact Formative Assessment has on student learning.

2- What are your ideas to improve student performance?

The district needs to continue to examine the needs of individual students to determine specific research-based programs that will provide students with the resources to grow academically. Also, since teachers have the biggest impact on student achievement, professional development is vital to ensure best practices such as Formative Assessment are utilized in the every classroom. Further, our students are facing many emerging environmental, economic, and social issues. These issues lead to a need for school districts to continually examine and develop curriculum to prepare students to meet these challenges of the 21st century on local, national and global levels.

3- What is your biggest concern with ASD?

The current and future budget crisis is my biggest concern with the district which will dramatically impact the quality of education offered to our students. The projected future expenditures will far surpass our future revenues. The current $80,000,000 bond used for renovations will only make the situation worse by locking the district into a more expensive model for the next 30 years. The projected savings from the closing of Kittanning Junior High and Kittanning Township Elementary will not be available when it is needed to make the debt payments due to the major staff cuts that are proposed for next year. The use of fund balance to make debt service payments over the next four years is not financially sound and will deplete the fund balance below recommended levels. As I outlined before, the district will need over $25,000,000 of new money to fund just the areas of salary increases, health care increases, and retirement contribution increases. The current board’s use of the $3,600,000 delinquent tax windfall and the use of $400,000 of fund balance to balance the 2011-2012 budget only pushes the problem to next year. What will be left to cut next year?

4- What is your perspective of the referendum question that has been placed on the ballot?

The current board majority has tried very hard to claim there are only two choices for the future of the district: an $80,000,000 renovation project or an over inflated $155,000,000 new comprehensive high school project. Since the majority of voters will vote no to the $155,000,000 project, the board majority will claim this means voters are in favor of the $80,000,000 renovation project. This is flawed logic! The referendum is being used as a political ploy and insults the intelligence of the voter. I am not in favor of a comprehensive high school. Lenape already provides the career and technical education for the district and duplicating these programs makes no sense at all.

5- What do you feel is the primary job of a school board?

The primary responsibility of a school board is to envision the educational future of its children and then formulate the goals, define the outcomes, and set the direction for its schools. Vision is not about what we are, but what we want to be. For school boards, it is defining what type of school system is needed for the future. The board is responsible to create the conditions under which excellent teaching and student performance will take place. Included in these conditions is the board’s ability to establish relationships and build consensus. We know that when individuals work together effectively, the product of their efforts will almost always be greater than the efforts of any single individual. Along with setting the educational direction of the district, the board needs to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer’s money by developing both short term and long term financial goals that balance the educational needs of the students with the financial impact to the community.

6- What attributes, talents and abilities will you bring to our district?

I bring to the board an extensive background in education. I have been a teacher, coach, principal, curriculum coordinator, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. I have worked within 4 different school districts which has given me a variety of perspectives on dealing with educational issues. Since I have worked for the Armstrong School District, I know the unique and challenging problems the district has faced and will continue to face in the future.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

We have been getting a lot of messages and emails from concerned taxpayers who do not know how to vote on the ridiculous, misleading and totally confusing referendum question that Solak and company had put on the ballot. The question will read:

"Shall debt in the combined sum of $155 million for the purpose of construction of a new comprehensive high school building and Elderton K-6 building be authorized to be incurred as, or (as appropriate) transferred from nonelectoral debt to, debt approved by the electors?"

What if you agree with the buiding of the Elderton K-6 building but oppose the new school construction because that figure contains building a new vo-tech school, which is NOT NEEDED. How do you vote? You can't! You could, in essense, vote No for the first part and Yes for the second part and those votes cancel each other out and you are left with NOT VOTING on the question at all. Will this really help? We are not sure.

Solak has stated time and again that if voters vote NO on this question, it means that they SUPPORT RENOVATIONS. This is not true. Since there wasn't a third option, which MANY taxpayers asked for "Do Nothing", then we are left with only one option. Vote YES.

Many of our current school board members, which we support and those running for positions are telling us to vote NO. We respect their opinion and understand their reasoning, however, we have to say that in out opinion, our best option is to VOTE YES to say NO RENOVATIONS.

This truly is all a smoke screen developed by Solak and company to shift the focus off of the election and their poor candidates. We need to focus on getting the right people elected into office, whoever YOU feel that may be. But for those of you asking US for OUR opinion on how to vote on the referendum, we say vote YES!

Stan Berdell is running for the one seat available in Region III, which represents Atwood, Boggs, Cowanshannock, Dayton, Elderton, Kittanning Twp, Pine, Plumcreek, Rural Valley, South Bend, Valley and Wayne. This is part four. We've also heard from Dr. Lobby from Region I, and Amy Lhote and Chris Choncek from Region II. We look forward to hearing the anwers to these same six questions from all of the other candidates.

1- Since there seems to be quite a bit of negativity within the district, what do you feel is going right with ASD at this time?

I believe the teachers are working very hard, despite all the negativity, to provide a positive educational environment for our students. They are the strength of our system and continue to provide knowledge for our students as well as help develop a positive attitude in these times of turmoil.

2- What are your ideas to improve student performance?

There are individuals in our educational system that could better answer that question and I would rely heavily on their input and try to implement their ideas into our system.

3- What is your biggest concern with ASD?

Unfortunately, our district is in deep financial trouble and difficult decisions will need to be made so that we can properly educate our children and balance our budget.

4- What is your perspective of the referendum question that has been placed on the ballot?

The referendum question is very confusing and does not solve any issues. First of all it is non-binding and limits your choices, it does not make any sense to me.

5- What do you feel is the primary job of a school board?

The primary job of a school board is to, with the help of others, guide the ship. I do not believe in micromanaging, hopefully the Administrators, Principles and Teachers that have been hired are capable of making sound decisions regarding the management of our district. The board in turn should take those comments and suggestions and through constructive respectful discussions help develop policies that will help our district grow.

6- What attributes, talents and abilities will you bring to our district?

I have a degree in education, while it is true I have not been involved in teaching, I have always been concerned about the education of the students of Armstrong Co. as well as the quality of life of the residents of this County. To that end I have served on several boards. St. Mary’s of Yatesboro parish council, Chairman Shannock Valley Recreation Commission, Tourist Board of Armstrong County, and The YMCA Board of Armstrong County. I started BLX, Inc. in 1989 and employ 22 people. The experiences I have had in operating a business are invaluable and will help me to make the tough decisions that will need to be made in the very near future regarding the education of our students and financial stability of the ASD.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Chris Choncek is running for one of two seats in Region II, which represents Applewald, East Franklin, Kittanning Boro, Rayburn, Washington, West Franklin and Worthington. We've also heard from Dr. Lobby and Amy Lhote and look forward to hearing the anwers to these same six questions from all of the other candidates.

1- Since there seems to be quite a bit of negativity within the district, what do you feel is going right with ASD at this time?

Parents and taxpayers are becoming more engaged with school district business. They are holding the Armstrong School Board more accountable to its decisions and direction. It’s especially encouraging to see this in all areas of the school district, not just in one municipality or attendance area. It is my hope as we move forward that we can continue to keep the community engaged and seek their input as we try to improve the education in our district while still being responsible to the taxpayers.

2- What are your ideas to improve student performance?

I think it’s important to rely on the educational experts to arrive at new and effective ways to improve student learning. However, it is our responsibility as board members to keep up with the latest trends and initiatives that could potentially improve student learning. This knowledge should be shared and discussed with the rest of the board, as well as the administrators for possible follow-up action.

As an aside, I would like to see a reduction of the “teaching to the test” phenomenon we’ve experienced over the last few years as an attempt to improve PSSA scores. I think we’re doing a huge disservice to our students when we’re forced to provide a less varied curriculum with fewer courses in some subject areas simply due to the fact that they aren’t included on the PSSA exams. I realize that this issue goes beyond the control of our local school board, but it needs our attention nonetheless.

3- What is your biggest concern with ASD?

I’m very concerned that most of the decisions being made at this time are made without any regard to education and fiscal responsibility. It’s bad enough when there’s an overemphasis on one or the other, but to make decisions that negatively impact both the education and cost could put this district into a level of financial distress that will take many years to alleviate.

4- What is your perspective of the referendum question that has been placed on the ballot?

I think it’s an unnecessary distraction. The more we talk about it, the less we talk about the elections for the open school board seats. Our focus as voters should be on choosing the best candidates for those positions. The referendum is utterly confusing and convoluted. In addition, it’s non-binding so no matter what the outcome is, the board doesn’t have to act upon the results. Let’s simply put our efforts into getting those with common sense elected like Lobby, Rearic, Robb, Berdell and Lhote.

5- What do you feel is the primary job of a school board?

The primary role of a school board director is to focus on the vision, goals and policies of the district. The board “oversees” the education of the students. It is important to recognize that this governing body does not run the day-to-day operations.

A school board represents the entire community in advocating for quality education while still being effective stewards of the district’s resources.

6- What attributes, talents and abilities will you bring to our district?

As a 19-year administrator in higher education, I’ve had to rely heavily on data-driven decision making processes. I feel as though the skills I possess in statistics and measurement can be utilized to further enhance the effectiveness of the board.

In addition, I’ve held numerous positions on various committees and boards throughout my professional and personal careers. I recognize the importance of communication and collegiality in effective group decision-making and I hope to promote these attributes on the new school board.

Finally, the direct experience I gained over the last four years as an incumbent school board director will be extremely useful to the new board as I’m intimately familiar with school district processes and policies. I also have experienced the “highs” of making good decisions, as well as the lows associated with “bad” ones. All of these experiences (good and bad) have resulted in learning opportunities and will undoubtedly be used to help us make better decisions in the future.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Amy Lhote is running for one of two seats in Region II, which represents Applewald, East Franklin, Kittanning Boro, Rayburn, Washington, West Franklin and Worthington. We've also heard from Dr. Lobby and look forward to hearing the anwers to these same six questions from all of the other candidates.

1. Since there seems to be quite a bit of negativity within the district, what do you feel is going right with ASD at this time?

I feel that the majority of our teachers are good teachers, and they are in the classroom for the right reason, to teach our children. We as a board need to listen to their ideas and concerns and provide them with the tools to do their job properly. I also believe that the community of Armstrong County has wonderful and caring people, we just don’t see eye to eye on the schools.

2. What are your ideas to improve student performance?

Once again, we need to listen to the teachers, see what the needs are in the classroom. I believe the budget is stretched way too far and the majority of our taxpayer money is being used to keep old buildings open and replication of services. I believe that our class offerings will increase when the district is “right-sized”. Our administrative staff has not been able to do the jobs they were hired for. They have been too involved in the closing and opening of buildings instead of using all of their expertise to improve educational offerings and evaluate what we are doing right and what we are doing wrong.

3. What is your biggest concern with ASD?

Without a doubt, the education of our students is paying the price for holding on to individual identities. According to The Pittsburgh Business Times, we are now ranked 352 out of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania. This is totally unacceptable our students are not getting what they need due to mismanagement of the district with a budget of 88 million. In the Hayes-Large study, it states that our high schools are incapable of teaching modern science. That study was completed in 2007, and no changes have been made. Putting band-aids on 3 buildings and adding gymnasiums and auditoriums, putting science classrooms on the second floor of a school without air-conditioning is not going to improve education.

4. What is your perspective of the referendum question that has been placed on the ballot?

I believe it is intentionally misleading and our manipulative school board will be able to interpret it anyway they would like to.

First of all, this mythical high school that has not even been discussed since the Charrette and should not be on a ballot. Secondly, if there was a second high school built, if you look at enrollment numbers and other school districts building high school now, this number is grossly over-priced. As a matter of fact, Penn Hills school district who has 5000 students is building a high school for 56 million dollars. How can ASD with 5500 students and with a fairly new high school (West Shamokin with 572 students), have an estimate of 155 million for the remaining secondary students? We can’t, it is another way the current school board members are trying to deceive the Armstrong County residents. It isn’t about education for them, it is only about identity.

5. What do you feel is the primary job of a school board?

I believe that the primary job of a school board is to make decisions based on recommendation of the administrative staff and factual data. It is imperative that there is planning for the future and that facts not emotions drive these decisions. I do not believe that the school board’s role is to micro-manage the school district. All decisions have to be made logically without favoritism, no matter what region you represent. A school board director is to represent all the children of Armstrong County, provide the best education possible while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers.

6. What attributes, talents and abilities will you bring to our district?

I am a team player, I have worked with many groups, have chaired committees, and am a good listener and communicator. I am decisive, I have to make hard decisions on a day to day basis being a nurse practitioner, and base my decisions on facts. I am a leader, even in high school I was class president and have had leadership roles throughout my nursing career. I am also part owner of a small business and have to evaluate financial and personnel data on a daily basis.

I believe that leadership, decisiveness, financial experience, and being a team player are essential to being a school director.

Who we are

Helping Education while Reuniting our County
ASD Community Team
Mission Statement:
To promote good governance and ensure quality education while maintaining fiscal responsibility for all in Armstrong County.
Who we are:
A group of taxpayers, striving for a better education for the students of the Armstrong School District. Members are from Bethel, Boggs, Burrell Twp., Dayton, East Franklin, Elderton, Ford City, Kittanning Twp., Manor and Pine.